KHONSA, Nov 26: The Nocte community celebrated the glorious 50 years of Chalo Loku with great enthusiasm and traditional fanfare here in Tirap district.
The celebration started with Rangtam rituals, followed by Chalo Loku song ‘Rang O Rang’, and release of Loku balloons.
A host of dignitaries, including Home Minister Kumar Waii, Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi, Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh, and Adviser to CM Wanglin Lowangdong attended the final day of the celebration on Sunday.
“Most of the festivals in Arunachal Pradesh are closely linked to agriculture. Prayers are offered to the almighty for a bumper harvest, to protect the community from natural calamities, and for a happy and prosperous life,” Waii said.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Tirap and Longding districts, Waii said opening of tourist circuits in the two districts would bring development in the region, which he said would also address the unemployment problem of the state.
“For this,” he said, “the prevailing security issues in the region should be taken care of first.”
Waii released books and several audio and video albums, besides a short documentary on ‘the birth and death rituals of the Noctes’ by Gawang Sumpa, editor of Vision Tirap studio.
The home minister also felicitated the pioneers of the Nocte community in various fields.
Mithi in his speech said “the Noctes are traditionally rich, courageous and peace-loving, and one of most important tribes of the state.” He appealed to the younger generation to preserve, protect and promote their culture and tradition.
Lowangdong, who also is the president of the Golden Jubilee Nocte Chalo Loku Celebration Committee, highlighted the importance and mythology of Chalo Loku, which is celebrated every year by the Noctes after harvesting paddy.
Lowangdong said the 50th anniversary of Chalo Loku celebration signified unity, brotherhood and togetherness.
“The festival is an occasion to dance, sing songs, share happiness with each other, and a time to forget and forgive any semblance of enmity,” he said.
Aboh congratulated the Nocte community on attaining 50 glorious years of Chalo Loku celebration, and expressed appreciation for Waii and Mutchu for attending the festival. He urged all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, to enjoy the celebration to the fullest.
Earlier, on 21 November, the festival celebration began with the inauguration of the indigenous food festival by PHE&WS Minister Wangki Lowang.
‘Miss Chalo Loku beauty pageant-cum musical night’ and an art exhibition stall were the other highlights of the festival. (DIPRO)
